Grandma’s Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad
Description
This Broccoli Salad is crisp, colorful, and full of flavor combining fresh broccoli florets with crunchy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for potlucks, picnics, or everyday meals, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and even better the next day.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
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8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
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1/3 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
For the Dressing:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare Broccoli: Wash and chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
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Cook Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
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Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
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Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Chill & Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Equipment
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Large mixing bowl
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Small mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Cutting board & knife
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Skillet (for bacon)
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Paper towels
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Broccoli Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board & knife
- Skillet (for bacon)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets about 2 medium heads
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash and chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Broccoli Salad – 10 FAQs
1. Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours in advance so the flavors can meld.
2. Should I blanch the broccoli first?
You can if you prefer a softer texture, but traditionally it’s made with raw broccoli for maximum crunch.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Not recommended it tends to be too soft and watery once thawed.
4. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo for a lighter option.
5. Is there a sugar substitute I can use?
Yes, honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener can replace the sugar.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely just omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
7. How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Make sure your broccoli is completely dry before mixing in the dressing.
8. What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?
Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pumpkin seeds work great.
9. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes shredded carrots, cauliflower florets, or bell peppers make great additions.
10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and mix in a larger bowl.
How To Store Broccoli Salad
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Best Freshness: It’s best within the first 24–36 hours as the bacon can lose its crispness over time.
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Make Ahead Tip: For maximum crunch, store dressing separately and mix it with the salad right before serving.
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Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended the vegetables will become soggy when thawed.
